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In the latest podcast from the Herbert Smith Freehills’ pensions team, Mark Howard, Of Counsel, is joined by Claire Altman, Managing Director of Individual Retirement at Phoenix to discuss: the challenges for retirement decision making; retirement product design and advice for members; and whether collective DC schemes might offer an alternative solution at retirement. To … Read more
Overall, the Regulator’s Annual Funding Statement strikes a positive tone with most defined benefit schemes experiencing improved funding levels through a combination of investment out-performance from return-seeking assets and a significant rise in gilt yields. Around a quarter of schemes are expected to be funded above buy-out; with many others exceeding their technical provisions. However, … Read more
The Pensions Regulator has confirmed that the new statutory funding requirements for defined benefit (DB) schemes and the associated new Code of Practice will not now come into force until April 2024 at the earliest. This is set out in the Regulator’s Corporate Plan for 2023/24, which also contains updates on the new General Code, … Read more
In the latest podcast from Herbert Smith Freehills’ pension team, Michael Aherne, Partner, is joined by Alex Hutton-Mills, Co-founder and Head of Pension Corporate Finance at Cardano Advisory, to discuss corporate transactions involving occupational pension schemes and how the UK’s regulatory framework has changed over the past decade. In particular, Michael and Alex discuss: The … Read more
On 7 February, the Bank of England (the Bank) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HM Treasury) jointly published a Consultation Paper on the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for the UK (or a digital pound). The three key takeaways in respect of a likely digital pound are: No final decision has been made on whether there will be … Read more
Here is the latest edition of our Pensions Planner, which will help you identify the key pension issues your scheme or organisation needs to address in the coming months. The latest edition covers: the potential impact of the draft new funding Code for DB schemes actions trustees should be taking to address the risks faced … Read more
At the start of a new year, attention inevitably turns to what lies ahead. After a year of economic and political turmoil, one hopes we are entering calmer waters. But what can we expect for UK pensions in 2023? In short, it will be the year of funding, finding and finessing workplace pensions. Funding It … Read more
The Pensions Regulator has launched its long awaited consultation on a new funding Code of Practice for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. The draft Code sets out the Regulator’s views on how the new statutory requirements regarding the need for trustees to put in place a long-term funding and investment strategy for their scheme are … Read more
Here is the latest edition of our regular Pension Disputes Bulletin which contains summaries of key cases, Ombudsman decisions and regulatory activity and highlights emerging risks for pension schemes, providers, sponsors, administrators, and other service providers. In this edition, we cover the implications of: a recent judgment on the operation of a scheme’s forfeiture rule … Read more